Advice to stars

I always say that showbiz is fascinating. John Lloyd Cruz once said, “The moment we leave the house, our job begins.” The moment one becomes public, everything about him/her becomes public. It’s both a curse and a blessing — depends on how he/she lives it.

Stars walk on a tight rope most of the time. The balancing act is crazy. But that’s the only way for public figures. The gallery applauds when one successfully traverses the deadly stunt while the same mob in the gallery jeers in demonic glee when one fumbles into the pit.

Last year, we saw a number of stars embroiled in controversies. I asked some people if they would be given a chance to talk to these celebrities, what pieces of advice would they give them. Here are their answers:

Anne Curtis — Prive incident

Mars Centeno-Sulit, technical specialist/purchaser — “For me, tama lang ang ginawa niya to keep quiet. Kapag nagsalita siya lalo lang iinit iyong issue. She already admitted and apologized. I’m sure she will be more careful and responsible because of what happened. She is not an ordinary person. I’m sure it won’t be easy but she has to remain strong. Ang isang tao hindi bibigyan ng pagsubok ni Jesus ng hindi nito kakayanin. Anne is a very nice person. May mga ganyan lang talaga na issue kasi celebrity siya. Kung ordinaryong tao ito, barangay lang ang katapat nito.”

Christbelle Leynes, student (La Concordia College) – “If she is mad at someone or something, it’s better to keep her emotions to herself. Once she acts nasty towards people, it will affect her image to the public. She is famous and has many endorsements at the palm of her hands. Dapat siyang magtimpi because she is being looked up as an idol, especially by the youth.”

Mary Dy, analyst (BPO) — “Think before you speak. Accept it and learn your lesson. Take care of yourself and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Chito Miranda and Neri Naig — sex video scandal

Ella V, running mom and online assistant — “In our modern techie age, everybody wants to keep a memory of things they do by photos or recordings. There’s nothing wrong with this but we should always keep in mind that life is also full of limitations. Recording intimate moments with your partner is a complete disrespect for both parties, with or without consent. We use photos/videos to look back on the events, happenings and experiences in life. Is this how you would like to remember your past?”

Gabriel Lagazo, high school teacher — Ang sex scandal ay hindi na bago. Maraming mga celebrities ang biktima dito. Dapat sa una pa lang iniisip din nila kung ano ang magiging kahihinatnan nito sa kanila at sa tao. Para makapag-move on, siguro, manahimik na lang sila sa mga batikos sa kanila. I-pag-pray nila ang mga kumukutya sa kanila at humingi ng tawad sa Panginoon.

Jennifer Perez, caregiver — “Get married! That’s the best solution to prove that what’s happening between them is love not lust.”

Nikki Gil — break-up with Billy Crawford

Juris de Guzman, housewife and law graduate — “She said in Yes! Magazine they have different values that’s why they broke up. True! You can’t grow old with a guy if you have different beliefs, values. You’ll always argue and there’ll be no peace and loving atmosphere in the house. More devastating case, the lives of the kids will be ruined. That’s why she should scrutinize first before getting into a relationship. It’s not because he’s Billy Crawford. She’s a decent and educated girl. Why get a guy full of tattoos? Does she want to grow old and hold hands in their senior years with someone who has tattoos in the arms?”

Celine Montenegro, account executive — “There are still a lot of guys out there who would be so much worthy of her love. Stay positive. Go out. Have fun. Enjoy the single life.”

Leah Leynes, housewife — “Move on. Ganoon talaga ang buhay. It’s part of growing up. You are still young. Marami pang darating na lalaki na mas deserving sa iyong pagmamahal. Concentrate on your work. You are a versatile actress and singer. Huwag muna ang love kasi darating ang lalaking para sa iyo in God’s perfect time.”

Charice — gender preference, misunderstanding with her family and alleged suicide attempt

K. Diego, teacher — “Love yourself and your family. Pray for guidance.”

Alex Ranario, frequent traveler — “Charice, okay lang iyan as long as di ka nakakaapak ng ibang tao. Just be yourself. Continue to shine with your talent.”

Juno Parungao, research director, Meridian International College (McKinley Hill, Taguig) — “The media is never the venue to flaunt one’s private life. In the world today, people are more open to homosexuality. Despite sexual preferences, whether heterosexual or homosexual, people have to be in control of how they will be perceived. In truth, a person just has to be comfortable being himself or herself. Remember that whatever sexual preference one has, there will always be expectations. If your intentions are good, there will be no need for a lot of flair. How she should move on? See life as your ally. Re-frame your problems into opportunities for improvement. Mend your relationships and always prioritize your family. If you take care of your roots, the fruits will be great. Continue doing good with your music. Inspire others with your life story.”

Ai-Ai delas Alas — separation from husband

Ella Noceja, logistics analyst — “Don’t talk about whatever happened and just leave it to the courts. Move on. Just focus on your kids and career.”

Nancy Gonzales, government employee — “Tama ang decision ni Ai-Ai to end her relationship with Jed (Salang). Hindi na uso ang martir na wife ngayon. She’s a religious person. Her faith will be her strength. God bless!”

Marilanie Magpayo, housewife — “Pray and trust God. Malalagpasan mo rin ang lahat ng mga pagsubok sa buhay. Focus your attention on your career and your kids. Gawin mong inspirasyon ang iyong mga anak. They will never leave you no matter what happens. Kakampi mo sila habangbuhay.”

Barretto family feud

Noemi Perey, retired government employee — “They must be humble enough to admit their mistakes and remember that Jesus who’s the owner of the universe chose the lowly manger to be His birthplace which is a sign of humility. He could pick out rich and influential people to announce His entry to the world but instead poor shepherds were the first ones to know and learn the news.”

Lariza Leynes, housewife — “Makaka-move on at matatapos ang kanilang problema kung lahat ng family members ay magkikita at mag-uusap ng masinsinan.”

Fely Lopez, housewife and retired teacher — “The character of the kids reflects how they were raised by their parents. The parents should avoid favoritism. Dapat parehas lang ang pagtingin sa kanilang mga anak because showing signs of inequality will cause friction and envy among siblings. If they really want to patch things up in their family, the solution lies in their hands. Learn to accept each other. Kahit anong mangyari, magkakapamilya pa rin sila. As the saying goes, ‘Blood is thicker than water.’”

Kim Chiu — “wasted” friendship with Maja Salvador and finding true love

Meisha Chan, analyst — “She needs to try to forgive and forget what happened. Anyway, she has Xian Lim naman.”

Shinji Sy, writer — “It’s time for Kim to move on by trying to forgive those who hurt her. It’s easier said than done, it may even take some time, but once she overcomes the pain and forgives, Kim will find inner peace. It will be more liberating for Kim to stay positive in life. She is a good person who helps her family that’s why she is blessed. She is lucky to have Xian by her side. Xian makes her happy. Whether Kim and Xian admit that they’re a couple or not, it’s good to see them together. Their body language says it all. No need for words.”

Che Zhoureeveslee, Singapore resident — “For Kimmy, sana hayaan niya na lang iyong dalawa kasi pareho silang hindi worth it na pag-aksayahan ng time. Since siya na nga iyong napagkaisahan ng dalawa huwag na siyang magpaka-emo. Ipakita niya na hindi siya affected. Instead, mag-move on na siya. Hindi dapat panghinayangan iyong naging relasyon nila ni Gerald at iyong friendship nila ni Maja.”

JM de Guzman — family problems and alleged drug abuse that resulted to his lackluster showbiz career

Francis de Guzman, bank executive — “Family problems are easily resolved when everybody sets aside their egos. Be more of a listener and forgive without conditions. Drug use to me is a cowardly escape from the monster that is haunting you. The solution is to face it by declaring to yourself that you’ll avoid it. The battle will be hard and long, and surely you can’t win it on your own. Call on God, lean on Him and He’ll make you stronger.”

Emelda Rigor, store owner — “JM has to strengthen his faith in God. Maaaring nagkaganoon siya because he grew up seeing his parents’ marital woes. He has to go to rehab so he could be cured from his drug problem. There are priests and pastors in the rehab centers who teach Bible studies and who could help him refocus his goals in life.”

Rafael Dollaga, private nurse — “He has to know who his true friends are. They will help him whatever happens. If he is religious, magbalik-loob siya sa Diyos. He has to stop his vices. He should have the initiative to change. Mahirap baguhin ang sarili kung siya mismo ay ayaw tulungan at baguhin ang kanyang sarili.”